News Summary
A tragic bus crash in South Carolina on April 17 resulted in the death of 13-year-old Jose Maria Gonzalez-Linares from Pine Ridge Middle School, alongside multiple injuries to students and adults. The accident, caused by a tire blowout while transporting students back from a field trip, led to significant hospitalizations and an immediate response from the local school district to provide mental health support. The incident has left the community mourning and emphasizes the need for improved safety measures in school transportation.
Lexington, South Carolina – A tragic bus crash on April 17 claimed the life of a 13-year-old student from Pine Ridge Middle School, Jose Maria Gonzalez-Linares, and left multiple individuals injured. The accident occurred as a school bus transported students returning from a field trip to the Charlotte area.
At the time of the incident, approximately 35 students and three adults were on board when one of the buses experienced a tire blowout while traveling on Interstate 77 in Chester County. The sudden tire failure caused the bus to overturn after hitting a guardrail and veering off the road.
Emergency responders reported that one person died at the scene, with the deceased identified as Gonzalez-Linares through first responder efforts. In total, 38 patients were transported from the scene, with 21 individuals needing hospitalization for injuries. Some of those injured remain in critical condition. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.
In the aftermath of this tragic event, the Lexington Two School District has implemented measures to support students and staff as they return to classes following spring break. The emotional impact of the crash on the Pine Ridge Middle School community is acknowledged, and mental health services have been made available. Counselors, social workers, and psychologists have been deployed to provide support at the school.
To facilitate communication with families affected by the accident, a reunification center was established at a nearby Shell gas station. The crash site was approximately 50-60 miles from the school, complicating efforts to keep parents informed about their children’s well-being.
Officials stated that all individuals requiring medical treatment had been discharged from their initial hospital stays as of the latest updates. Community members are coming together to honor the deceased student, with many gathering at Pine Ridge Middle School to pay their respects by leaving flowers and heartfelt tributes.
In response to the incident, Governor Henry McMaster and State Superintendent Ellen Weaver have expressed their condolences to the victims’ families and the Lexington community as they mourn this heartbreaking loss.
As investigations into the bus crash continue, the district emphasizes the need for community support during this challenging time. The loss of young Gonzalez-Linares has left a profound impact, not only on his peers and family but also on the entire community.
The tragic accident underscores the importance of ensuring student safety during school-related travel. As more information becomes available, the district and local officials are committed to providing updates regarding the ongoing investigation and future measures to enhance student safety.
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Additional Resources
- WISTV – Lexington County School District 2 Bus Crash
- Google Search: Lexington County School District 2 Bus Crash
- The State – Bus Crash Victims and Community Response
- Google Scholar: Bus Safety School Accidents
- WACH – Lexington County Students Hospitalized After Bus Crash
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Bus Safety
- Kentucky.com – Impact of School Bus Crashes
- Google News: South Carolina Bus Crash
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
